I’ve always been a believer in Karma, and tonight augmented that belief.

When I found out I was going I went through my media guide because it has a list of hotels in each city. I called the first few and they were sold out, I eventually settled on Hotel Inter-Continental. I had until Wednesday to cancel my reservation, and I don’t know why, but I did a Google search of it Wednesday morning.

When I called them, the reservation guy said it was a five minute walk from the Bell Centre. Turns out he was a lying bastard. It was 45 minutes away in old Montreal according to Google maps. I cancelled and got a room at Hotel de la Montagne, because it was just off of Crescent Street and only a three minute walk to the Bell Centre.

Last time I was in Montreal, was in 2002 for the Grey Cup. What a party that was. I remembered this bar called Thursday’s on Crescent Street because it was the most fun I’ve ever had at any bar. After unpacking and blogging I go down to get a bite to eat, and I almost sheet in my pants when I realize that my hotel is connected via one stairwell to Thursday’s. Unreal. Karma of the Nation I say.

It gets better. I’m not the only guy who likes Thursday’s. It was a smorgasbord of hockey people and I found out some interesting things.

Biggest false rumour is that Jack Johnson is asking for $5.5 million a year. That is complete bogus. Look for him to get a deal around $3.5 mill.

Dean Lombardi will consider moving the number five pick. He has had lots of offers, and now that he’s got some depth in the organization he will strongly consider moving down, or even getting a player for that pick, although the former is more likely.

No one seems to know what Garth Snow and the Islanders are thinking. It was split 50/50 on who they will take, but not one person said it would be Duchene, so it’s either JT or VH.

It seems very likely that Heatley will be dealt tomorrow. Destination is unknown, but Minny, Edm, NYR ( I don’t see how), Vancouver and an unknown fifth team are interested. But this deal doesn’t have to happen tomorrow, it could easily happen on day two, since none of the aforementioned teams have a pick before Ottawa.

A guy not connected to NASH or EDM laughed when I brought up Nilsson for Tootoo rumour. Exact quote: “Why the hell would Nashville make that trade? Tootoo is top five in the league at what he does.” Hard to argue that.

The Flyers are searching around and as usual they could make a move that no one expects. Don’t rule out the Flyers being involved in a trade. Surprising to me, but Hartnell’s name has come up. I’d be shocked if that happens, but you never know.

The Oilers are working hard to get in the top eight. If it happens it will happen once the Draft has started. Don’t expect any moves between teams in the top ten until right before the draft, or more likely, when it’s in progress.

The Ducks are trying to get Giguere to waive his no-trade clause so they can move him. Will anyone take him at $6 million a year??

The Kings would be more inclined to go after Hossa than trade for Heatley or Lecavalier. They have lots of cap space and it wouldn’t cost them any roster players to land Hossa. They’d go after Hossa before Gaborik, but mark it down they will make a splash in free agency. Lombardi wants to make the playoffs next year.

The Ducks want an answer from Niedermayer by tomorrow on his plans for next year. If he stays, like Dreger reported, the Ducks will push to move the Human Rake. They’d rather keep Beauchemin and sign Wisniewski for longer terms.

Here is a strange one. Tomas Kaberle has a no movement clause, BUT because the Leafs missed the playoffs last year, the Leafs can now trade him starting tomorrow until August 15th without his consent; basically for the next six weeks his no trade clause is not in effect, so look for him to be moved. I’m not sure why Blowhard Burke would want to move him, since he only makes $4.25 million for next two years, but it looks like he is gone.

Not NHL related, but the NHLPA has given the green light for players to play in the 2014 Olympics, but right now some NHL owners don’t see the value. They clearly don’t get how it grows the game by having their players in the Olympics. If the NHL doesn’t agree to it, there are two options in place:

The World Juniors that year would be moved to February and they would play for the Gold.

Follow soccer’s lead and have an under-22 tournament. It might be hard to convince some teams to let a few guys go, but they will have to look at the big picture. I think the NHL won’t screw this up and will keep NHL players involved, because it gives them more exposure.

I’m looking forward to getting to the Draft tomorrow, there should be lots to talk about.

One of Canada's most versatile sports personalities. Jason hosts The Jason Gregor Show, weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m., on TSN 1260, and he writes a column every Monday in the Edmonton Journal. You can follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JasonGregor

I love hearing people laugh at Nilsson's value. The guy better grow a tail this season and bounce back. TSN is saying Kabby to Boston for Kessel. That wouldn't be bad. Wow, am I ever giddy!! Only a short work-day, then the draft.

It's nine o'clock and rumours are spreading like crazy. Ran into three media guys at breakie, all from Southeast conference, and they ask me about an Oiler/Sens deal. I mention yeah the Oilers have some interest in Heatley, and they respond with, we heard Spezza.

WTF...I know the Oilers were interested in him last year, but now, and can Ottawa deal him and then Heatley in a separate deal? The Oil have too many centres right now.

I send a text to a good source of mine, and he doesn't tell me I'm crazy, but doesn't hint that a Spezza offer has been on the table. My guy says no, but their is a definite sense that the Oil want to make a splash. I'll try to find out if it will be a jump in the shallow or deep end.

@ Jason Gregor:
Wow. Good stuff Gregor. It sounds to me that Tambi ain't comin hope without a gift.

I was thinking Ottawa could send both guys packing. And I was curious to see if Heatley were moved, if the Oil would have interest in Spezza. Seems they mite. He's prob not the perfect fit, but he's a hell of a hockey player.

Minnesota's Star-Tribune.com's Michael Russo claims the Kings are the team to beat for Heatley, hearing Alexander Frolov and another player plus the fifth overall pick.
Interesting how things change by the minute depending who you talk to or read. The other player? Hickey or Teubert perhaps?

I always like you and love your show. I think it is time for you to get a huge raise. The Team 1260 should be flying you out for all these events. You reported more rumors in one day then all the rest have all week.

With Jason Gregor in Montreal and me living in Australia, it is very difficult to get a feel of hockey in Edmonton but now I have this feeling beyond the feeling of Christmas knowing I have up-to-date information coming my way on OILERNATION on the draft.

Thank you everyone for making this possible by not only creating this site but sending Jason Gregor to the draft in Montreal to report back to us.

In Montreal they are all dreaming of landing Vinny. It's all over the papers, radio and TV. Gainey has come right out and said he wants a top line centre, and remember he has made some deals at the draft before. Hamrlik and Tanguay, so he'll be talking.

Shawn Horcoff's name has come up. The belief being that Horcoff is Gainey's type of player. Solid both ways. The Habs have lots of cap space moving forward, and Gainey is so focused on trying to make a deal that he won't have talks with any of his 10 RFAs until the draft is over.

Horcoff to Montreal would give Tambellini lots of room to wheel and deal then, but I caution Oiler fans in thinking this will happen.

My source said there hasn't been any talks with the Habs up until now. I'll keep on it, but I think this is more Montreal speculation. Who would have guessed it that Horcoff would be a name people go after.

Great stuff indeed! Speaking of making a slash, has anyone there asked about the circumstances surrounding your trip there? Seems to me it's such a great story perhaps you'll be the one getting interviewed by reporters from other cities facinated at the grass roots gumption of the Oiler Nation.

Also, you should walk up to Tambo with a straight face, hand him a list of players to draft, and say "Here are the Nation's picks. Let us know if you have any questions." Maybe you should also rush up to the stage and put a Nation shirt and hat on the Oilers first pick before they can get an Oiler jersey on him. Haha!

WILD TO LAND SENATOR
Whether or not the Wild land Dany Heatley, they will be landing a Senator...
"It's believed that within a day or two of the draft ending, possibly as early as Monday, Ottawa's director of hockey operations, Brent Flahr, will be announced as Minnesota's assistant general manager. He'll replace Tom Lynn, who was recently fired by new general manager Chuck Fletcher. Fletcher worked with Flahr in both Anaheim and Florida, where they both worked for Murray."
-Ottawa Citizen

Minnesota’s Star-Tribune.com’s Michael Russo claims the Kings are the team to beat for Heatley, hearing Alexander Frolov and another player plus the fifth overall pick.
Interesting how things change by the minute depending who you talk to or read. The other player? Hickey or Teubert perhaps?

Mike has been on that for awhile, and I've been told the Wild are going hard to get a big name and Heatley would qualify. LA did confirm to me that for the first time in Lombardi's tenor he is open to moving his pick. Whether that is for Heatley or just down the rankings a bit, I'd be stunned if the Kings keep #5. They are also interested in trying to swap with Atl. They really like Kane.

@ Jason Gregor:
Interesting. As I said things continually change. Its like the more I read, the less I know.

I threw this one out yesterday, but what about a 3-way (I know they're rare) with Minny/Bos/Ott involving Heatley to Boston & the former Golden Gopher Kessel landing in Minny? The Wild, as you say, are looking to add a big name scorer (to replace Gaborik), so could Kessel fit the bill?

Sportsnet is reporting it’s pretty much for certain Cammalleri won’t be resigning with the Flames. IMO he’d be a better option than Heatley (younger, cheaper, similar type of player, no $4 million bonus pending, we’d still have to trade some salary though)….Thoughts?
Buuuuuuuuut, I also kind of get the feeling he MAY be looking for more $$ than he's worth. He may not end up being cheaper than Heatly (except for the $4 mil).

BTW, this sight is awesome (wipes tear from eye), I don't know what's more fun, the actual hockey scuttlebutt, or when some of you folks go off on your wild tagents. Either way a fantastic read!

As another Oilfan living in Australia here I couldn’t be happier that our donations are paying for Gregor to dig the dirt in Montreal (between beers - nice work!)…
… but if we move Horcoff for anything there had better be a number one center coming back the other way.
I like Horc, but he’s only guy on the team who can actually win a faceoff, let alone on the PK. Gagner will step up this season, but we still need a veteran center to lead the way.

Shawn Horcoff’s name has come up. The belief being that Horcoff is Gainey’s type of player. Solid both ways. The Habs have lots of cap space moving forward, and Gainey is so focused on trying to make a deal that he won’t have talks with any of his 10 RFAs until the draft is over.
Horcoff to Montreal would give Tambellini lots of room to wheel and deal then, but I caution Oiler fans in thinking this will happen.

Even though lots of people would be happy to see that over paid contract go, I am not sure the team would survive without him. Tambo would have to add at least 2 53%+ guys on the dot instead of one and then they would need a great 2 way player to help wiht that. The problem is that to replace Horcoff, you probably need 3 guys to get that same all around skill set. That makes thinkgs much tough to fill those spots, sepecially since they already want to improve in that area.

Sportsnet is reporting it’s pretty much for certain Cammalleri won’t be resigning with the Flames. IMO he’d be a better option than Heatley (younger, cheaper, similar type of player, no $4 million bonus pending, we’d still have to trade some salary though)….Thoughts?
Buuuuuuuuut, I also kind of get the feeling he MAY be looking for more $$ than he’s worth. He may not end up being cheaper than Heatly (except for the $4 mil).
BTW, this sight is awesome (wipes tear from eye), I don’t know what’s more fun, the actual hockey scuttlebutt, or when some of you folks go off on your wild tagents. Either way a fantastic read!

Guy can score, no doubt, but is not good defensivly and has almost no grit. Put it this way, if we could trade Horcoff straight accross for CAmmarelli, I wouldn't do it. After that trade, it would give us more hills to fill than we already have

@ spiceweasel:
spiceweasel wrote:
As another Oilfan living in Australia here I couldn’t be happier that our donations are paying for Gregor to dig the dirt in Montreal (between beers - nice work!)…
… but if we move Horcoff for anything there had better be a number one center coming back the other way.
I like Horc, but he’s only guy on the team who can actually win a faceoff, let alone on the PK. Gagner will step up this season, but we still need a veteran center to lead the way.
That’s where a Marchant, Malhotra, or Pahlsson come into play.

If Tambo had no luck finding one good face off guy and penalty killer all year what makes you think he can get 3?

We wouldn't have to make a trade to get him would we? Isn't he a UFA? I know we would need to make A trade to free up salary space. I agree with what folks are saying about Horc though, he does have a lot of upside, just not enough to justify his inflated paycheck. I say if Gainey, or anyone else for that matter, wants him, we do our best to make it work.

Talked to Oil brass, and Nilsson/Tootoo is just a rumour.
In Montreal they are all dreaming of landing Vinny. It’s all over the papers, radio and TV. Gainey has come right out and said he wants a top line centre, and remember he has made some deals at the draft before. Hamrlik and Tanguay, so he’ll be talking.
Shawn Horcoff’s name has come up. The belief being that Horcoff is Gainey’s type of player. Solid both ways. The Habs have lots of cap space moving forward, and Gainey is so focused on trying to make a deal that he won’t have talks with any of his 10 RFAs until the draft is over.
Horcoff to Montreal would give Tambellini lots of room to wheel and deal then, but I caution Oiler fans in thinking this will happen.
My source said there hasn’t been any talks with the Habs up until now. I’ll keep on it, but I think this is more Montreal speculation. Who would have guessed it that Horcoff would be a name people go after.

I would guess Horc would be a name people go after. He might just be the most underated Oiler.

OpenAir wrote:
@ spiceweasel:
spiceweasel wrote:
As another Oilfan living in Australia here I couldn’t be happier that our donations are paying for Gregor to dig the dirt in Montreal (between beers - nice work!)…
… but if we move Horcoff for anything there had better be a number one center coming back the other way.
I like Horc, but he’s only guy on the team who can actually win a faceoff, let alone on the PK. Gagner will step up this season, but we still need a veteran center to lead the way.
That’s where a Marchant, Malhotra, or Pahlsson come into play.
If Tambo had no luck finding one good face off guy and penalty killer all year what makes you think he can get 3?

1) Because there are an abundance or players to fit that role.

2) He doesn't need to offer any assets.

BTW, I never said he'd 3. I mentioned 3 names to play the PK and the third line.

^^
"The Wild would be loath to trade either 26-year-old centre Mikko Koivu or 24-year-old defenceman Brent Burns, but might dangle 21-year-old centre James Sheppard, the team's first-round entry draft choice (No. 8 overall) in 2006, and young defenceman Tyler Cuma, who played in the Ontario Hockey League with the Ottawa 67's."

Put it this way, if we could trade Horcoff straight accross for CAmmarelli, I wouldn’t do it.

Yeah. who needs an 82 point 39 goal scorer when you can keep a guy who can win a faceoff in the defensive zone 50+ % of the time (but cant take it out of the defensize zone and do anything with the puck).

Seems totally reasonable to me to keep an overpaid 2nd liner who hasnt been the same player he once was after destroying his shoulder more than a year ago instead of grabbing an uber talented 1st line winger who managed to score more goals than Jarome Iginla this past year.

Hot damn this is fun! I'm sure it will all be a let down once it all over though. The league needs to recognize how much excitement/press that trades generate and figure out a way to make them more common. This kind of thing will grow the game!

Nice stuff Gregor! Thanks again to the Nation and the TEAM for making this happen.

toprightcorner wrote:
Put it this way, if we could trade Horcoff straight accross for CAmmarelli, I wouldn’t do it.
Yeah. who needs an 82 point 39 goal scorer when you can keep a guy who can win a faceoff in the defensive zone 50+ % of the time (but cant take it out of the defensize zone and do anything with the puck).
Seems totally reasonable to me to keep an overpaid 2nd liner who hasnt been the same player he once was after destroying his shoulder more than a year ago instead of grabbing an uber talented 1st line winger who managed to score more goals than Jarome Iginla this past year.